Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Re: Papers being served

Code of Civil Procedure section 415.20(b) provides in pertinent part: "[A]summons may be served by leaving a copy of the summons and complaint at the person's dwelling house, usual place of abode, . . . in the presence of a competent member of the household . . . , at least 18 years of age, who shall be informed of the contents thereof, and by thereafter mailing a copy of the summons and of the complaint by first-class mail, postage prepaid to the person to be served at the place where a copy of the summons and complaint were left."

You might consider filing a motion to quash, accompanied by declarations from your babysitter and you that the babysitter was not a member of your household, but was only there as a temporary employee. If you appear in court, though, then the plaintiff likely will hand the papers to you on the spot. Good luck!